SOUTH Sefton Recycling Centre in Bootle will close for five days so work can be carried out to stop unauthorised trade and commercial vehicles using the site.

The facility, on Irlam Road, will be shut from Monday, June 18 and will reopen at 8am on Saturday, June 23 so workers can install restriction barriers to keep out certain vehicles.

Other improvements to the facility will include the repair and replacing of containers, complete clean of the Centre, repair and replacement of signage and improvements to road marking and ‘safe’ routes around the site.

The closure of the facility will mean that residents should use their next nearest or most convenient Recycling Centre, which are located in Maghull, Otterspool and Old Swan.

The South Sefton facility, which was built in 2005, is one of 14 Centres across Merseyside provided for residents to recycle and dispose of their waste by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA).

All of the Centres operate a van permit scheme whereby anyone wishing to visit in a van or with a large trailer will need a permit.

The scheme was introduced in 2009 to deter commercial operators and traders, who should not be using the taxpayer-funded facilities.

The bulk of the maintenance work will introduce new traffic management measures including height restriction barriers and lane guards, which will divert vehicles suspected of carrying non-household waste into areas where they can be safely and efficiently inspected.

Carl Beer, MRWA Chief Executive said: “South Sefton has an issue with commercial operators and traders using vans to bring non-household waste onto site for disposal. The current layout means any vehicles stopped can create queues and tailbacks, which isn’t the most efficient use of the site, and it also annoying for householders who have brought their own permitted waste in. The new measures should put an end to this.

“We’re also taking this opportunity to thoroughly check all aspects of the site, undertake any repairs, repaint, review signage and ensure that the site adheres to the high standard required of a public facility. We’d encourage residents to use an alternative Recycling Centre, or hold on until South Sefton re-opens.”

Residents using South Sefton over the next few weeks will be able to see the closure information on banners at the site and can get an information leaflet which details all of the nearest sites for them to use during the temporary closure.

For information on the use of permits at alternative sites call 0151 236 0305. The Emmaus charity reuse shops at the site will also be closed during this period.